A Need for Change: The Looming Energy Crisis
Abstract
The United States (US) national interest in the Middle East has grown more complex over the years, but fundamental concerns regarding oil protection and availability remain a central theme. U.S. dependency on Middle Eastern oil to meet ever-increasing energy consumption demands have returned to the levels found just prior to the 1978-1980 oil crisis. Current Middle Eastern instability and the rise of the al-Qaeda insurgency revive questions regarding the ability of the United States to weather an abrupt and significant loss of Middle Eastern oil. This paper analyzes current and projected energy sources, consumption demands, risk associated with foreign energy dependencies, and alternative energy sources. The paper also addresses implications to the economy, the military, and other nations should an energy crisis appear prior to the elimination of foreign energy dependencies. Finally, the paper provides policy recommendations for strategic leaders, planners, and politicians regarding prudent measures needed to minimize the required use of force to protect the flow of oil from the Middle East in the advent of another oil crisis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA461433
Entities
People
- Simon L. Holzman
Organizations
- United States Army War College